Sergio Mora has blasted Jake Paul’s latest fight decision, saying the YouTuber-turned-boxer has taken a step back after finally starting to earn credibility in the sport.
Mora, the former WBC light-middleweight champion and boxing analyst, said Paul briefly began winning over doubters when he chose to face a legitimate ex-world champion closer to his size in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
However, Mora believes Paul has squandered that progress with his planned clash against Gervonta “Tank” Davis on November 14, a fight he calls “a travesty for boxing of grand proportions.”
“Just when I start giving Jake Paul some credit, he takes it right back,” Mora said to DAZN on The Fighter and The Writer.
Green Giant vs Keebler Elf
“What are you doing fighting a former middleweight champion, a guy that’s kind of your size (Chavez)? He belongs in the ring with you; you make a statement, you actually get the respect of boxing. And then you just go backwards from that to fight a guy that is going to be eight inches shorter than you, nine inches less in reach, and a lot lighter in weight.
“This is going to be like the Jolly Green Giant vs a Keebler Elf once they get in the ring. It’s going to be embarrassing.”
Mora, known for his outspoken views, went further by labeling the matchup a ‘slap in the face’ to boxing fans.
“I don’t care how explosive Tank is, how great of a fighter he is, or how well he can fight small. Whenever you’re dealing with that kind of disparity in numbers, in height, weight, reach, and youth, and the fact that Jake Paul does have some ability now, it’s just a terrible look. I hate this fight.”
🗣️ “A travesty of boxing… it’s going to be embarrassing”
Sergio Mora on Jake Paul 🆚 Gervonta Davis…
Episode 2⃣0⃣ of #TheFighterAndTheWriter with @SIChrisMannix and @TheLatinSnake_ is LIVE now 🍿 @DraftKings pic.twitter.com/lDW1Q9OjGe
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 22, 2025
Mora: Tank should be chasing champions, not Disney stars
While Paul has targeted Davis for the commercial appeal of the fight, Mora argues it makes little sense for the Baltimore knockout artist, who should instead be chasing meaningful opponents in his own weight class.
“Tank should be fighting the champions around his division, the big dogs, Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Andy Cruz, or a rematch with Lamont Roach, which he deserves.
“Instead, what is he doing? Fighting a Disney star. What a damn shame.”
Where this leaves Jake Paul
Paul has enjoyed building his brand on crossover events, with previous wins against names like Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Mike Perry, alongside his WBC cruiserweight ranking drawing headlines. Yet critics argue the spectacle-first approach risks undermining any serious progress toward legitimacy.
Mora’s comments highlight the crossroads Paul faces: either continue chasing novelty fights that guarantee headlines but invite ridicule, or pursue genuine boxing tests that would silence critics and bring lasting respect.
For now, the reaction from figures like Mora shows that many within the sport remain unconvinced by Paul’s current path, and view the Davis fight as a step backward rather than forward.
Even as an exhibition, the headlining event makes little sense.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.